Odierno became Chief of Staff in 2011 after being the Commander of United States Joint Forces Command. He previously served as the Commanding General, Multi-National Corps -- Iraq and then the Commanding General of the Multi-National Force in Iraq and has served in the Army for more than 36 years.

Odierno's son, Army Captain (Retired) Tony Odierno, was seriously injured in Iraq in 2004 when his vehicle was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. The grenade – which killed the vehicle's driver -- took off a piece of the younger Odierno's right arm, scraped across his chest, took off his left arm.

The Press Club luncheon will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. Remarks will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session, ending at 2 p.m. Tickets may be purchase by going here. The cost of luncheon admission is $22 for National Press Club members and $36 non-members. Tickets must be purchased at time of reservation.

National Press Club Luncheons are webcast live on press.org. Follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #NPCLunch, or on Facebook at (facebook.com/PressClubDC) and Twitter (@PressClubDC). Submit questions for speakers in advance and during the live event by sending them to @QNPCLunch on Twitter. Or email a question in advance, type ODIERNO in the subject line and send to president@press.org before 10 a.m. on the day of event.

The Press Club is on the 13th floor, 529 14th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Credentialed press may cover this event with ID.

About the National Press Club

The National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists with more than 3,300 members worldwide representing every major news organization. More than 250,000 people visit the Club each year to attend more than 2,000 events. The Club was founded in 1908 and is on the web at press.org